Hip labral tears are a fairly common cause of hip pain during exercise. They can be caused by trauma, repetitive movements, or from changes in the bony anatomy in the hip.
Hip Labral Tear
We often see hip labral injuries in those who participate in sports and activities like hockey, football, dance, or martial arts. In dancers for example, many of the movements they are required to perform can place their joints in extreme range of movements and under load. This puts more pressure on the supporting structures of the hip joint. The resulting impact can cause damage to this structure suddenly, or over an extended period of time. A hip labral injury is specifically a tear in the cartilage that lines the rim of the hip joint (acetabulum).
Common Signs and Symptoms:
If a hip labral tear has occurred, then you might experience pain around the front of the hip or groin. The pain may occur on twisting, running, or hip flexion movements. There could also be clicking, catching, a locking sensation, and sometimes a sense of giving way.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
A physiotherapy assessment can help to diagnose labral injuries and the cause of hip pain. If physio conservative management fails to improve symptoms, an x-ray may be ordered to rule out other possible causes of hip pain including changes in the bony anatomy of the hip. An MRI may be ordered by a specialist to further evaluate the labrum and other bony and soft tissue structures.
Each person is different and based on your individual diagnosis your physio will create a unique treatment plan for you. This could begin with injury and activity modification (eg. avoiding deep squatting and twisting movements). Your physio can also help reduce pain through manual therapy techniques, and then progress to muscle strengthening to improve stability and control around the hip.
If symptoms do not improve as expected with conservative physio management, we provide an onward referral for further imaging, or referral to a hip specialist.
If you’re experiencing hip pain, book an appointment at Ponsonby Physiotherapy. We’re here to help.
